daikokuya
There is a restaurant row in Little Tokyo, and at 3:30 on a Saturday afternoon they are all empty while Daikokuya has a line out the door. Some things are worth the wait.
Widely considered one of the best ramen joints in Los Angeles, their kotteri style ramen is nothing short of amazing. A year or so ago, the boyfriend had gone there to meet a friend and when he came home, he smelled so intoxicatingly of porky ramen goodness that I immediately demanded a repeat visit that weekend. Daikokuya only uses kurobuta pork and the result is a tender flavorful chasu that almost melts in your mouth. Absolutely heaven. I always order an extra side of the chasu which I hoard zealously until my ramen arrives.
Due to the vagaries of Los Angeles traffic, a trip to Daikokuya can take up a sizable chunk of the afternoon even when the line is short, but when one is suffering from a pork deficiency, there is no other remedy than to set aside the time to truly indulge.
When I am feeling generous, my roommates of the canine persuasion get a few teaspoons of the rich gravy-esque broth in their dinner bowl. They think I am a hunter of legendary ability.
Full feed
why have i not been to daikokuya yet?
Going tomorrow for the first time. My 3 year old is The Prince of the Romper Stompers for the Nisei Week Parade tomorrow. e’ll be on the float with Mom, while Dad runs along side keeping the peasants away. Then it’s Daikokuya for dinner. I’m expecting great things, and a step up from Mr. Ramen a few doors down.